Newcastle aiming to ‘clean up’ party image tainted by Geordie Shore

Newcastle’s attraction as a party destination, thanks in part to shows such as Geordie Shore, could come to an end after the council vowed to get rid of the city’s boozy image.

Troublemakers: The cast of Geordie Shore (Picture: MTV)

The ‘reality soap’ has reinforced its reputation for nights out – but at a ‘significant’ cost in crime and disorder, says the Newcastle city council.

It is looking at making nightclubs close at 2am, charging pubs and clubs for the cost of cleaning up after revellers, and increasing the price of drinks.

Council leader Nick Forbes said: ‘Pubs and clubs are in competition to open later and later. All this does is encourage people to drink for longer.

The council and the police are left with significant costs to police and clean up afterwards and it is a big draw on our resources.

‘We also want to change the licensing policy to reflect the significant health issues caused by alcohol. If we do not act we could be sitting on a health timebomb.’

Despite being welcomed by health groups, the new drive to ‘clean up’ Newcastle culture – accompanied by the slogan ‘Safe, Sensible, Social’ – has been criticised by local businesses who are concerned about turning away trade.

Oliver Vaulkhard, director of Fluid Group, which owns several of Newcastle’s top bars including Perdu and Quilted Camel, said: ‘Realistically, I don’t think we can go back. We are a destination for fun.

‘If people are planning a night out and they can choose cities like Dublin or Edinburgh where clubs are open later then they will not come to Newcastle.’